Norway: New King Haakon makes first speech to the nation
King Haakon VIII officially swore an oath of allegiance to the Norwegian constitution before parliament on Tuesday. Princess Ingrid Alexandra accompanied the King during the ceremony, marking a historic first for the monarchy. This constitutional pledge follows the death of King Harald V, who reigned for 35 years. In his first national address, Haakon VIII expressed personal grief, stating he would miss his father and his laughter. The new monarch continues to emphasize national unity and independence as he assumes leadership of the Scandinavian nation.
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- ✓ King Haakon VIII pledged an oath of allegiance to Norway's constitution in parliament on Tuesday.
- ✓ Princess Ingrid Alexandra joined King Haakon VIII during the swearing of the constitutional oath.
- ✓ King Harald V reigned for 35 years before his death.
- ✓ King Haakon VIII stated, "I am going to miss him. I am going to miss his laughter," regarding his father.
What changed
King Haakon VIII and Princess Ingrid Alexandra swore the constitutional oath before parliament on Tuesday.
Live updates
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King Haakon VIII pledges oath of allegiance to Norway's constitution
King Haakon VIII officially swore an oath of allegiance to the Norwegian constitution before parliament on Tuesday. Princess Ingrid Alexandra accompanied the King during the ceremony, marking a historic first for the monarchy. This constitutional pledge follows the death of King Harald V, who reigned for 35 years. In his first national address, Haakon VIII expressed personal grief, stating he would miss his father and his laughter. The new monarch continues to emphasize national unity and independence as he assumes leadership of the Scandinavian nation.
Why it matters
The transition follows the peaceful death of King Harald V at age 89. The oath before the Storting is a required symbolic step to formalize the transfer of power. This period of mourning has seen tens of thousands of citizens gather at churches and in Oslo.
What is confirmed
- King Haakon VIII pledged an oath of allegiance to Norway's constitution in parliament on Tuesday.
- Princess Ingrid Alexandra joined King Haakon VIII during the swearing of the constitutional oath.
- King Harald V reigned for 35 years before his death.
- King Haakon VIII stated, "I am going to miss him. I am going to miss his laughter," regarding his father.
What to watch next
- Official funeral arrangements for King Harald V
- Further constitutional appointments by King Haakon VIII
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.aol.com — King Haakon Honors “Dear Father” King Harald in First Speech to Nation
- nypost.com — Norway’s King Haakon pledges oath of allegiance following father’s death
- www.theguardian.com — German police investigating reported explosives at Brandenburg power substation – Europe live
- www.hellomagazine.com — Royal family LIVE: Princess Ingrid Alexandra marks historic first as Norway royals remember King Harald
- www.aol.com — Norway's new king takes oath before parliament after Harald's death
- www.yahoo.com — Haakon VIII swears oath as King before Norway's parliament, with Princess Ingrid at his side, in a historic first
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King Haakon VIII addresses Norway following death of King Harald V
King Haakon VIII has delivered his first national address as sovereign following the death of his father, King Harald V, who died peacefully at age 89. In a televised speech from the Oslo palace, Haakon VIII emphasized national unity and freedom, retaining the motto "All for Norway" while linking it to democracy and national independence. Tens of thousands of mourners gathered in Oslo and at churches across the country for memorial services to honor the late monarch. King Charles expressed "profound sadness" over the loss of his "dear cousin."
Why it matters
The transition marks the beginning of a new royal era for Norway. King Harald V was widely remembered as "The Grandfather of All Norway" during his tenure. The succession follows the established line of inheritance from father to son.
What is confirmed
- King Harald V died at the age of 89.
- Crown Prince Haakon succeeded his father as King Haakon VIII.
- Tens of thousands of people gathered in Oslo to mourn King Harald V.
- King Haakon VIII delivered a televised address to the nation from the Oslo palace.
- King Haakon VIII retained the motto "All for Norway" in his first speech.
- Memorial services for King Harald V were held at churches and cathedrals across Norway.
Still unconfirmed
- King Harald V died on August 28.
What to watch next
- Official coronation ceremony dates
- Further diplomatic visits from foreign monarchs
- Formal state funeral proceedings
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (14)
- The New York Times — ‘The Grandfather of All Norway’: Mourners Remember King Harald V
- Marie Claire — Palace Flags Are Flying at Half-Staff as King Charles Shares “Profound Sadness” Over the Loss of “Dear Cousin”
- The Washington Post — Who is Norway’s new king, Haakon VIII?
- NBC News — Tens of thousands mourn King Harald V in Oslo as Norway enters a new royal era
- dw.com — Norway: New King Haakon makes first speech to the nation
- Dallas News — Norway's new king pays tribute to his late father as tens of thousands mourn
- newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org — Gratitude for the Life and Service of King Harald V
- WRAL — Norwegians line up at churches for emotional memorials remembering the late King Harald V
- CNBC — Norway's King Haakon honors 'dear father' Harald in first speech as sovereign
- Fox News — Norway's King Harald dies peacefully at 89, son Crown Prince Haakon to succeed him
- www.chicagotribune.com — Norwegians line up at churches for emotional memorials remembering the late King Harald V
- nypost.com — Norway’s King Haakon honors ‘dear father’ Harald in first speech as sovereign
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